FBI Offices by County

About FBI Offices

What arrest authority do FBI Special Agents have?

When in the U.S. or one of its territories, FBI special agents have the authority to make arrests for any federal offense committed in their presence or if they have reasonable grounds to believe a felony is being or has been committed. They have very limited authority to make arrests in foreign countries.

Does the FBI supervise state and local law enforcement?

No. State and local law enforcement agencies operate independently from the FBI. The FBI and state and local agencies often work cooperatively in a common effort to investigate and solve cases. Many task forces comprised of FBI agents and state and local officers have been formed to tackle serious criminal threats to public safety.

Who monitors the FBI?

The FBI is subject to oversight by several entities. The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has the authority to review the programs and personnel of the FBI. Congress also has several oversight committees with jurisdiction over the FBI. The Director of National Intelligence oversees the FBI's intelligence activities.